Listen to those living in poverty
Oct. 21, 2006. 01:00 AM
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Liberals reject call for $10/hr. minimum wage
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Oct. 18.

We fully agree with Premier Dalton McGuinty who acknowledged this week that
"there is more work to be done" to ease poverty. Ontario's nurses add their
voices to that of Hugh Mackenzie who says "shameful." Indeed, it is
shameful and disgraceful that in a province as rich as Ontario people
struggle between feeding their children and paying the rent.

As nurses, we are gravely concerned about poverty. We know the connection
between social determinants of health and health outcomes. We know that
those who have a stable and good paying job, a decent and affordable roof
over their heads, adequate food for them and for their loved ones, and a
support network can expect to enjoy better health and well-being.

For a decade, inadequate social assistance rates have pushed hundreds of
thousands into poverty. Street nurses and others see first-hand how poverty
robs people of their dignity and wears away at their health.

The McGuinty government promised to close the gap between the "haves" and
the "have-nots." Now is the time to heed the voices of the thousands who
live in poverty: increase the minimum wage to $10 an hour, increase social
assistance rates, build more affordable housing and restore the cuts to the
special diet program.

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Mary Ferguson-Paré, President,

Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario, Toronto

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